Restless legs syndrome

• Fact: The average lifetime risk of developing restless legs syndrome, which can interfere with sleep, is 4 percent.
• Proportion of risk that’s in your genes: 60 percent.
• What you can do: By understanding your genetic predisposition to the disease, you can work with your doctor to avoid substances that may aggravate or trigger symptoms, such as caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Our genetic testing service can help you determine whether you are at above-average risk of restless legs syndrome.
• Did you know? Stress tends to worsen the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Pregnancy or hormonal changes can also exacerbate the health condition.

Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is a neurological condition in which your legs feel extremely uncomfortable while you’re sitting or lying down. Some refer to it as a “creepy crawly” feeling. Others just call it a nuisance. Fortunately, while the problem can affect sleep and wellbeing, it does not cause dire health problems.

An estimated 8 million Americans have restless legs syndrome, which may stem from an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine, which sends messages to control muscle movement. The health condition affects both men and women, can begin at any age and may worsen as you get older.

Restless legs syndrome runs in families, with heredity accounting for more than half your chance of getting the health condition. Knowing from a genetic test whether you have a genetic susceptibility to the disorder can enable you to work with your physician to make lifestyle changes. Some treatments are also effective at controlling restless legs syndrome.

Getting an adequate amount of sleep, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption and attending to low iron levels may help prevent restless legs syndrome, or at least reduce your risk.